Mary Grace has always put others first—whether she’s supporting her students as an elementary school teacher, serving in her church, or caring for her friends and family. Earlier this year, she began experiencing abdominal pain and was scheduled for a routine gall bladder removal surgery. During the procedure, doctors discovered a mass on her liver, and after months of scans, biopsies, and second opinions, the mass on her liver has recently been diagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma. This news has turned her world upside down, forcing her to step away from her classroom more often than she would like and adding an immense amount of stress and pain through the last few months on her body.

Despite these challenges, Mary Grace’s courage and dedication have never wavered. She recently completed her master’s in Education, all while undergoing countless medical appointments and procedures. She and her husband Derek have leaned on their faith and the support of their community, including a recent BBQ benefit at Antioch Baptist Church and the generosity of friends and family with her recent trips to Duke and UNC-CH. The love and prayers from her small group and home church of Antioch Baptist church and all of her friends from our hometown of Lumberton and beyond have been a source of strength during this difficult time.

Now, as Mary Grace prepares to begin chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and port placement, we’re asking for help to relieve the financial burden of medical expenses, travel, and all of the side effects of treatment that make daily life a little more challenging. Your support will allow Mary Grace to focus on her fight, surrounded by those who care for her, without the added stress of unexpected costs. Every prayer, message, and donation means the world to Mary Grace and Derek as they face this battle together.